The Most Popular ASEAN Heritage Park, Ranked

Choose the ASEAN Heritage Park you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:29
In a region brimming with natural splendor, the ASEAN Heritage Parks stand as beacons of biodiversity and ecological importance. These parks also act as vital habitats preserving unique wildlife and landscapes. A favorite park among these sanctuaries can vary widely, influenced by personal experiences and interests in nature conservation. By casting your vote for the most cherished ASEAN Heritage Park, you help highlight areas that are successful in both capturing the public's heart and conserving cultural heritage. Such a ranking can stir curiosity and foster engagement with these precious ecosystems, potentially guiding future conservation priorities and expanding community support.

What Is the Most Popular ASEAN Heritage Park?

  1. 1
    66
    votes
    Kinabalu Park, Malaysia is located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the park boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, and over 800 species of orchids.
    Kinabalu Park is a renowned ASEAN Heritage Park located in Sabah, Malaysia. It is named after Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia and the centerpiece of the park. The park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and stunning landscape, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
    • Location: Sabah, Malaysia
    • Designation: ASEAN Heritage Park
    • Year of Establishment: 1964
    • Land Area: 754 square kilometers
    • Elevation: Highest peak at 4,095 meters (Mount Kinabalu)
  2. 2
    41
    votes
    Khao Yai National Park, Thailand is one of the largest national parks in Thailand, it is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and gibbons. The park also features beautiful waterfalls and scenic hiking trails.
    Khao Yai National Park is a famous national park located in Thailand. It is recognized as one of the most popular ASEAN Heritage Parks, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The park spans over four provinces and covers an area of approximately 2,168 square kilometers.
    • Location: Thailand
    • Established: 1962
    • Area: 2,168 square kilometers
    • Elevation: between 400 and 1,000 meters
    • Terrain: mountains, forests, waterfalls
  3. 3
    19
    votes
    Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0

    Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

    The Government of Malaysia
    Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Visitors can enjoy activities such as jungle trekking and river cruises.
    Taman Negara National Park is the most popular ASEAN Heritage Park located in Malaysia. It is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, dating back over 130 million years. The park covers a vast area of 4,343 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the dense jungle, trek through challenging trails, and enjoy various activities such as river cruises, fishing, and wildlife spotting. The park also offers unique attractions like the world's longest canopy walkway and the opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of indigenous tribes. Taman Negara National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
    • Location: Malaysia
    • Size: 4,343 square kilometers
    • Age: Over 130 million years
    • Flora and Fauna: Diverse range
    • Activities: Jungle trekking, river cruises, fishing, wildlife spotting
  4. 4
    14
    votes

    Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

    Government of Indonesia
    Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia - located in Sumatra, the park is home to the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan, as well as tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Visitors can trek through the park's lush rainforest and spot wildlife along the way.
    Gunung Leuser National Park is a well-known ASEAN Heritage Park located in the northern part of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was established in 1980 with the aim of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the area. Spanning over 7,927 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
    • Size: 7,927 square kilometers
    • Established: 1980
    • Location: Sumatra, Indonesia
    • Designation: ASEAN Heritage Park
    • Biodiversity: High
  5. 5
    21
    votes
    Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand
    Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
    Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand - located in the mountains of northern Thailand, the park is home to the highest peak in the country and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park's waterfalls and hill tribe villages.
    Doi Inthanon National Park is a popular ASEAN Heritage Park located in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. It is named after Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, reaching an elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level. The park encompasses an area of approximately 482 square kilometers and is known for its diverse range of flora, fauna, and natural beauty. The park is home to many unique species, including over 360 bird species, making it a popular destination for bird watching enthusiasts. The park also features stunning waterfalls, picturesque viewpoints, and several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes.
    • Location: Chiang Mai province, Thailand
    • Size: Approximately 482 square kilometers
    • Elevation: 2,565 meters above sea level
    • Flora: Diverse range of plant species
    • Fauna: Over 360 bird species and various other animal species
  6. 6
    15
    votes
    Mount Halimun Salak National Park, Indonesia is located on the island of Java, the park is home to a variety of wildlife such as the Javan hawk-eagle and the Javan leopard. Visitors can explore the park's lush rainforest and enjoy the natural hot springs.
    Mount Halimun Salak National Park is a protected area located in the province of West Java, Indonesia. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mountainous terrain, and several rivers. The park covers an area of approximately 400 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
    • Location: West Java, Indonesia
    • Size: 400 square kilometers
    • Ecosystems: Rainforests, mountains, rivers
    • Flora and Fauna: Diverse species
    • Conservation Status: Protected area
  7. 7
    9
    votes
    Danum Valley Conservation Area, Malaysia is located in the heart of Borneo, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife such as orangutans, gibbons, and pygmy elephants. Visitors can explore the park's pristine rainforest and enjoy activities such as jungle trekking and night safaris.
    The Danum Valley Conservation Area is a renowned ASEAN Heritage Park located in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. It is a vast 438 square kilometers of untouched primary rainforest that serves as a crucial center for scientific research, conservation, and education. Home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna, including some endangered species, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a true gem of biodiversity.
    • Location: Sabah, Malaysia
    • Size: 438 square kilometers
    • Type: Primary rainforest
    • Conservation status: Protected area
    • Biodiversity: High, with endangered species
  8. 8
    8
    votes

    Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

    Government of Vietnam
    Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam is located in southern Vietnam, the park is home to a variety of wildlife such as the Indochinese tiger and the Javan rhinoceros. Visitors can explore the park's lush rainforest and enjoy activities such as birdwatching and cycling.
    Cat Tien National Park is a popular ASEAN Heritage Park located in Vietnam. It is a vast protected area encompassing both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region. The park is characterized by diverse landscapes, including lowland tropical rainforests, wetlands, and the scenic Dong Nai River.
    • Location: Vietnam
    • Established: 1992
    • Area: 720 square kilometers
    • Ecosystems: Terrestrial and aquatic
    • Biodiversity: Rich and diverse
  9. 9
    4
    votes
    Mount Apo Natural Park, Philippines - located on the island of Mindanao, the park is home to the highest peak in the Philippines and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the park's waterfalls and hot springs.
    Mount Apo Natural Park is a protected area located in the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro in the Mindanao region of the Philippines. It is home to Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country, standing at an elevation of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). The natural park covers an area of approximately 54,974 hectares (136,010 acres) and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
    • Location: Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro, Philippines
    • Elevation: 2,954 meters (9,692 feet)
    • Total Area: 54,974 hectares (136,010 acres)
    • Peak: Mount Apo
    • Biodiversity: Rich and diverse flora and fauna
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia
    Eka fendiaspara · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia is located on the island of Sumatra, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and rhinoceroses. Visitors can explore the park's lush rainforest and enjoy activities such as hiking and wildlife watching.
    Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sumatra, Indonesia. It is renowned as one of the most biodiverse areas in Southeast Asia, showcasing exceptional tropical rainforest ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and significant cultural heritage. Stretching along the western side of Sumatra, the park is part of the Bukit Barisan mountain range and covers an area of approximately 3,568 square kilometers.
    • Designation: ASEAN Heritage Park
    • Established Year: 1982
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
    • Total Area: 3,568 square kilometers
    • Elevation Range: 0 meters to 2,594 meters

Missing your favorite ASEAN Heritage Park?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for popular ASEAN Heritage Park

  1. Natural beauty and uniqueness
    The park should possess distinct and remarkable natural features that make it stand out, such as unique landscapes, ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
  2. Biodiversity
    The park should have a rich variety of plant and animal species, including rare, endangered, and endemic species that require special conservation efforts.
  3. Cultural significance
    The park should have cultural, historical, or archaeological values that contribute to its heritage status. This can include traditional land use practices, sacred sites or historic monuments within the area.
  4. Size and Ecosystem Representation
    The park should adequately represent the different types of ecosystems in the region, and its size should be large enough to ensure long-term conservation of its natural features.
  5. Accessibility and amenities
    Parks that are easily accessible with adequate visitor facilities such as trails, information centers, and accommodations are more likely to attract tourists and raise awareness about their importance.
  6. Conservation status and management
    Effective and sustainable management practices should be in place to protect the park's natural and cultural values. This includes regular monitoring and enforcement of regulations, as well as collaborative efforts with local communities and stakeholders.
  7. Educational and research potential
    The park should offer opportunities for scientific research and environmental education, contributing to our understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
  8. Tourism potential
    Parks with high visitation rates can generate income for the local economy and raise awareness about the importance of conservation. However, this must be balanced with the need to protect the park's resources from overuse and degradation.
  9. Regional significance
    The park should play a critical role in the larger regional context, such as forming part of an important ecological corridor, providing valuable ecosystem services, or contributing to transboundary conservation initiatives.
  10. Global significance
    The park should have outstanding universal value, as recognized by international organizations such as UNESCO, which designates World Heritage Sites.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular ASEAN Heritage Park. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or park is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2069 views
  • 204 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each park once every 24 hours. The rank of each park is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular asean heritage park

ASEAN Heritage Parks are a collection of protected areas that showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of Southeast Asia. These parks are recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as crucial areas for conservation and sustainable development. Currently, there are 37 ASEAN Heritage Parks spread across 10 ASEAN countries. These parks offer visitors a chance to witness unique flora and fauna, as well as experience the cultural heritage of the region. With so many stunning parks to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most popular. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top contenders and explore what makes each park so special.

Share this article